asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the actual increase of coal exported from the United Kingdom as a result of the Ruhr invasion; and whether he can state the nationality of vessels which have been utilised for such exportation from the principal coaling ports since the beginning of this year?

The answer to this question has not yet reached me, and I could only give it roughly. So perhaps the hon. Member will postpone it?

Do I understand that the hon. and gallant Gentleman will reply later to my question? That I will be allowed to put it?

Yes.

The reply to the Question was as follows:

The coal exports from this country to France, Belgium, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands for the fortnight ended the 10th February (the latest period for which figures are available) show in the aggregate an increase of 52,000 tons over the fortnightly average in the last quarter of 1922. I cannot say to what extent this increase is due to the occupation of the Ruhr. I have no definite information as to the nationality of the vessels employed, but I am informed that the bulk of them are British.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received any complaints from coal exporters in home ports at the delay in shipping British coal abroad, owing to the action of labour employed in shipping the coal which results in accumulation of stocks in coal ports; whether his Department has taken any action in the matter with a view of accelerating coal shipments; and can he make any statement on the subject?

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, negotiations between employers and employés at the docks are at present taking place on the question of the acceleration of coal shipments. It is most important, in the interest of the coal industry, that this object should be attained, but I think that a satisfactory issue is more likely to be secured by private negotiation than by pressure from the Government. Indeed, I understand that a provisional agreement has been arrived at in South Wales.

Does the hon. Gentleman accept the statement in the first part of the question?

There has undoubtedly been considerable delay in shipping coal, owing to the shortage of labour.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can arrange to supplement the weekly statements of coal output in the Board of Trade Journal by a statement of the number of persons employed in or about the coal mines?

I have been asked to reply, and shall be glad to arrange for this information to be supplied.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to a meeting of the Western Valleys mines at which it was stated that a serious state of affairs exists at the Llanhilleth Colliery, Monmouthshire, where it is alleged that gas is very prevalent; if he is aware that on Saturday, 27th January, the workmen had to come out of 15 working places owing to the presence of gas; that the following Monday, 29th January, men went home from this colliery owing to gas and a shortage of timber; that on 1st February, 1923, men were unable to work in this colliery because they had no timber; and that they reported the matter to His Majesty's inspector when he passed through their places; if the inspector took samples of the air in the working places, roadways, and airways of this mine on 1st February, 1923; and, if so, will he state the percentage of gas found in the ventilation, and take steps to ensure that Section 29, Sub-section (3), and Section 51 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, are carried out at this colliery?

I am aware of the complaints that have been made about this colliery, and the matter is already receiving the close attention of the inspectors. Air samples taken by an inspector in two of the working faces in the West Dips district on 1st February contained respectively 1·7 per cent. and 2 per cent. of firedamp. At a further inspection of this district on 14th February the air current was found to be practically free of gas throughout the workings.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that upwards of two million tons of coal per annum are mined from the collieries in the Abertillery urban area; that in addition to this large amount of coal a very large proportion of rock, shale, and other débris are brought to the surface; that this continual excavation of mineral has caused very serious surface damage by subsidence and has seriously injured house property, public highways, sewers, water mains, waterworks, gas mains, gas-tanks, schools, railway arches, and embankments; and, in view of the devastation wrought to public and private property for which no compensation is paid by the owners and colliery companies exploiting these minerals, will he, at an early date, bring in a Bill to deal with this grievance that will enable public authorities and property owners to be compensated for this serious destruction of property?

asked the Secretary for Mines if it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill dealing with the question of subsidence in mining areas?

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware of the serious damage which is being caused by subsidence in the various coal-mining areas, and especially in South and West Yorks, and of the grave injury not only to property but to the health and general welfare of the inhabitants owing thereto; and whether he can state what steps the Government are prepared to take by providing legislation to safeguard the future of these large and important communities?

As regards the question of compensation, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 27th November last to the hon. Member for Bedwelty. As regards the prevention of damage by subsidence, the Government hope shortly to introduce a Bill relating to the working of minerals, to contain provisions under which a right of support of works and buildings may be compulsorily acquired in certain circumstances where the public interest demands it.

Will the hon. Gentleman also take into consideration the hydraulic stowage of material that comes to the surface in order to support the buildings?

All these matters will be considered.

asked the Secretary for Mines when he proposes to appoint a man fully qualified in metalliferous mining in West Cumberland and North Lancashire in place of the senior inspector who resigned on the age limit two years ago?

It is not proposed at present to make any special appointment for this work. This could be done either by incurring increased expenditure or by sacrificing other inspectoral work, and neither course could at present be justified by the number of metalliferous mines working in the district in question or the number of persons employed there, both of which are considerably less than half the corresponding numbers two years ago.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the duties of the inspector of iron and ore mines and quarries in West Cumberland, North Lancashire and the Isle of Man performed by the senior inspector of metalliferous mines who recently resigned, have been tacked on to the junior inspector of coal mines and—

If the hon. Member has his question in writing, he had better hand in it at the Table.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) if he is aware that the Britannic Merthyr Coal Company, situated at Gilfach Goch, Glamorgan, is violating the Truck Acts, the Statement of Rates Act, 1919, and the Rents Act, 1920, by deducting out of the weekly wages of several hundred miners employed at their colliery from 10s. to 20s. per week as current rent and arrears of rent on behalf of building syndicates and clubs without the consent of the said tenants; and will he take steps to stop this practice without delay, as many of the families of the said miners are existing in a semi-starved condition in consequence;

(2) whether he is aware of the practice resorted to by certain colliery companies in South Wales in violation of the Truck Acts, of the Statement of Rates Act, 1919, and of the Rents Act, 1920, by which deductions for rent are made out of the weekly wages of the miners who are tenants of houses owned by the said colliery companies, or by building syndicates and clubs on behalf of whom the said deductions for rent are made; that the said deductions are made without the consent of the tenants; that these deductions include the weekly rent and 50 per cent. of same to pay off arrears of rent that have accrued since the lock-out of 1921; that these deductions for rent often leave less than 10s. per week in wages to meet the family needs of the household; and, in view of the suffering entailed to the many households affected, will he make inquiries into the matter forthwith with a view to putting a stop to this practice?

I am taking the matter up with the South Wales Coal Owners' Association, and will let the hon. Member know the result in due course.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries into this special case, and will he see that the name of this place is properly spelt?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman, in putting down his questions, will have a little compassion on the printers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the number of officers of the Mercantile Marine, including deck and engine departments, who are at present unemployed; and whether, in view of the disability of these men with regard to unemployment benefit, any steps will be taken to assist cases of distress?

I have no exact information as to the number of officers of the Mercantile Marine who are at present unemployed, but it is considerable, and for the most part they are outside the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Acts. The question of Government assistance to cases of distress which are outside these Acts is a general one which could not well be dealt with in connection with one particular class.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement in reference to a scheme for the transfer of British unemployed to work in the devastated regions of France?

I have been asked to reply. Inquiries are being made in order to ascertain whether there are any opportunities for the employment of British workmen in France, but it is not yet possible to forecast the result of these inquiries.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a certain Government Department is spending a very large sum of money yearly in France just now, which could be paid to British unemployed to carry out the work?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that men applying at the local Employment Exchanges in the Springburn Division are being asked by the officials whether they will take employment abroad, and that when they ask where it is they do not get any answer? Is it for France?

I am afraid I have not the slightest information on the question put by my hon. Friend, but I will make inquiries. With regard to the question of the hon. Member for Barrow (Mr. D. Somerville), I do not think that that comes within the purview of the question on the Paper.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to see that, wherever employment is offered, if we are satisfied that that employment is on sound lines, an opportunity shall be given to the unemployed of this country?

Yes, that is the exact reason why we are waiting for the results of further inquiries.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the certain continuance of abnormal unemployment beyond the winter season, the Cabinet Committee have considered the desir- ability of extending the period of operations of the Unemployment Grants Committee; and whether their decision can be announced speedily, so as to enable local authorities to prepare forthwith their schemes of useful undertakings?

The question of the future action to be taken in the event of a continuance of abnormal unemployment is now being considered by a Sub-Committee of the Cabinet Committee. The relief works already before the Unemployment Grants Committee will in a number of instances continue for a considerable period.

Is it not desirable that local authorities should have the earliest possible notice, so that relief works may be undertaken at once?

In considering the extension of the Unemployment Grants Committee, will the right hon. Gentleman give further consideration to these necessitous areas?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Report of the Cabinet Commttee will be available for publication?

It is a committee for the benefit of the Cabinet, and there is no question of a Report.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether and when it is intended to increase the amount available for this purpose?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very great dissatisfaction among the unemployed in regard to the actual sums with which the Government propose to supplement the local authorities, and that, instead of paying the trade union rate, the wages for the work are to be only 75 per cent.?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of foreign granite imported into Great Britain for the years ending 31st December, 1921, and 1922, respectively?

The quantity of granite (unmanufactured and manufactured) registered as imported into the United Kingdom from all sources amounted to 463,124 tons in 1921 and to 523,727 tons in 1922. The declared value of these imports was £740,577 in 1921 and £718,654 in 1922. In 1921, 60 per cent. of the total weight and 40 per cent. of the total value of granite imported was consigned from British Possessions. Corresponding figures for 1922 are not yet available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is a scale for licences on the importation of dyestuffs under the Dyestuffs Act; and, if so, is the licence per pound based upon the colour or its quality or is it purely arbitrary?

Section 2 (7) of the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act, 1920, empowers the Board of Trade to charge in respect of each licence a fee not exceeding £5, to provide for the expenses of administration. The fees actually charged are on a sliding scale, based on the value of the consignment to which each licence relates, and range from 2s. 6d. on consignments of a value up to £100, to £5 on consignments exceeding £3,000 in value.

Is that scale on a geometrical progression? Is the Noble Lord aware that in a case I can mention, a consignment of double the quantity of dyes, at the same price per pound, was charged four times the duty?

I shall be obliged if the hon. Gentleman will bring that case to my notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of iron ore imported into West Cumberland during the year 1922 from Spain; if any inquiry can be made into the conditions of employment and the wages paid to iron-ore workers in Spain; and, if such inquiry can be made, will he place it upon the Table of the House?

The total quantity of iron ore, other than chrome iron ore and pyrites, imported into West Cumberland ports and registered as consigned from Spain during the year 1922 amounted to 51,698 tons. I am unable to state the quantity, if any, of Spanish ore imported into West Cumberland, though not consigned direct to West Cumberland ports. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the negative.

Have not these West Cumberland iron-ore workers as much right to protection as the gas-mantle workers of Wandsworth?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can arrange to publish quarterly in the Board of Trade Journal statements as to the distribution of British trade, showing the imports from and exports to British possessions, foreign countries in Europe, and foreign countries outside Europe?

The monthly Accounts of Trade and Navigation for January, April, July and October contain tables giving the values of the imports and exports from and to each British possession and foreign country during the preceding quarter. Accordingly, I think it will hardly be necessary to print quarterly statements in the Board of Trade Journal, as suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the total tonnage production of new British ships turned out in shipyards in Great Britain during the year 1922; and can he also give the comparative figure for the year 1913?

The tonnage of vessels of 100 tons gross and above which were built for British countries and launched during the year 1922 amounted to 706,896 tons gross. The corresponding total for 1913 was 1,415,525 tons gross. Particulars with regard to small vessels of less than 100 tons gross are not yet available for 1922.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the volume of imports and exports from and to India during 1922?

During the year 1922 the imports into the United Kingdom, consigned from British India, amounted in value to £47,680,603. The exports, consigned to British India, of produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom amounted to £91,621,301, and of foreign and Colonial merchandise to £1,317,659. These figures are provisional and subject to some small revision on final examination of the returns.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the precarious condition of the barytes industry in Shropshire; whether he is in communication with the Minister of Transport on the subject of railway rates as affecting that industry; and whether any steps will be taken to try and prevent foreign competition destroying the British barytes trade?

I am aware generally of the circumstances of the barytes industry in Shropshire. As regards the second part of the question, the Ministry of Transport are making inquiries from the railway companies as to the position in regard to railway rates. As regards the last part of the question, I am not aware of any means within my power by which I can render effective assistance, but I am prepared to consider any proposals which the Noble Lord may desire to put forward.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the average number of days taken to repair ships previous to 1914, and the average number of days taken in 1922; and whether he is satisfied that proper inspection is made of ships to ensure them being in a satisfactory seagoing condition?

I have no information showing the average time taken to effect ship repairs in 1914 as compared with 1922. I have no reason to think that the present system of inspection is insufficient to prevent ships going to sea in an unseaworthy condition, and if the hon. Member has any special cases in mind I shall be glad if he will be good enough to send me particulars of them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to consider the restoration of the Plimsoll line on ships?

The Plimsoll line has never been removed. The hon. Member is probably referring to the alterations made in the load line rules in 1906. This question was fully investigated by the Load Line Committee, to whose Report, Cd. 8204, I would refer the hon. Member.

Is it not the case that the alteration to the old load line would mean more ships would be required, and additional ships would have to be built?

It would mean largely increased expenditure to the ship-owning industry, and therefore increased revenue to the shipbuilding industry.

Is the Noble Lord aware that at the present moment an International Convention is sitting and considering the whole question of the load lines?

Yes, Sir, that is the case.

Is not that Convention largely dominated by shipowners?

No!

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department proposes to make any changes in the existing system of administering the mercantile marine war risks scheme; and, if so, what changes are proposed and when they will come into effect?

Careful attention has been given to the question of how the administration of this scheme, in which my hon. Friend has taken such a keen interest, could be improved. I am glad to be able to say that an invitation is being issued to the Seafarers' Joint Council to nominate two representatives on the Committee appointed to advise the Board on difficult cases. Also that officers and men whose disablement allowances are reduced may appeal, if dissatisfied, for a further examination by a specialist acting as medical referee. Also that proportionate children's allowances will be granted in partial disablement cases. These proposals take effect immediately, and as from 1st April next widows' pensions will be assessed on a final basis in cases where the payment from the money paid into the County Court under the Workmen's Compensation Act is £15 or under or where interest only is being paid.

Under the improved system would it be possible for any member of the Advisory Committee to call for a particular case which the Board of Trade officials have not seen fit to send them?

Yes.

Having regard to the fact that certain seamen's organisations are not included in the Seafarers' General Council, will the Noble Lord include them in the general invitation?

I am afraid that I cannot at present give that undertaking.

Has the Noble Lord had his attention called to the desirability of allowing certain organisations to be included having regard to their constituents; will he consider it?

That is part of the difficulty in the representation, giving it to some and not to others. In this case I am aware of the difficulty raised by the hon. Member, but if wider representation were granted it would tend to make the Committee so large that it would be difficult to get the work done.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps his Department is taking to secure prompt settlement of the 20,298 reparation claims already assessed, and the 8,719 not yet assessed on 5th January, and to ensure that payments on account are promptly made in all cases of urgent need?

The payments are being made as rapidly as possible. 12,899 payments have been made up to 15th February. Assessment of the 8,719 unassessed claims will be undertaken as soon as payment has been made in respect of the 20,000 assessed claims, and payment in respect of the former claims will follow as rapidly as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when claims for compensation for damage done by enemy air raids in 1916 will be adjudicated on by the Reparation Claims Department?

The First Report of the Royal Commission has been published. It covers claims in respect of death and personal injury caused by air raids in 1916, and payment of the sums recommended is now being made. Claims in respect of damage to property are now being considered by the Royal Commission.

Is the Noble Lord aware that there has been considerable delay in this matter, six years having passed; and will he do something to accelerate the adjudication on these claims?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the matter is being accelerated as much as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of claims which have been made to the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action, the number of claims settled, the number of claims dismissed, and the total amount of compensation paid?

The number of claims registered in the Reparation Claims Department in respect of the different categories of damage is 73,463, but in some cases two or more claims have been lodged by the same claimant. The number of claimants to whom payment by the Royal Commission had been made on the evening of 15th February, is 12,889, involving a sum of about £1,000,000. No claims have so far been dismissed, but the work of the Royal Commission is not yet complete.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that many persons having claims which should properly be dealt with by the Reparation Claims Department of the Board of Trade have lodged applications with other departments, and that other persons have either not lodged or completed their claims yet, or have only recently done so; and can he state how it is proposed to deal with such cases?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the last part, the matter has been brought to the attention of the Royal Commission on Compensaion for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action, which is the authority competent to deal with questions involved in the distribution of the £5,000,000 provided for the purpose of making ex gratia grants in respect of damage caused to civilians by enemy action, and I would refer my hon. Friend to paragraph 17 of the First Report of the Royal Commission which deals with the subject.

Is the Noble Lord aware that a large number of seamen did not send in their claims in the time stipulated by the Board, and will he consider any claims sent in by seamen who were not acquainted with the Regulations?

If the hon. Member refers to paragraph 17 of the Report, he will see that those cases are dealt with and the Royal Commission have stated that those special cases will be considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the decisions respecting the claims submitted to the Reparation Claims Department arising out of the death and personal injuries caused by enemy aircraft will be finally announced?

The First Report of the Royal Commission dealing with claims in respect of loss of life, injury to health, maltreatment during internment and loss of personal effects at sea has been published and payment of the sums recommended by the Commission is being made as rapidly as the circumstances and the number of claims will permit.

I mean in this country.

Yes. That is covered by the Report of the Royal Commission.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has appointed a Committee to inquire into the condition of gas mains in the streets of London and elsewhere; if so, who are the members of the Committee and what are the exact terms of its reference; and whether, in view of the large number of deaths that have recently taken place due to gas poisoning, he will have a further inquiry made by impartial experts as to the need of limiting the percentage of carbon monoxide permitted to be supplied by gas undertakings?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the large number of deaths recently caused by gas, he proposes to set up a Committee to investigate the composition of gas supplied by the various gas undertakings in the country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will co-operate with the Home Office in setting up an inquiry into the proportion of carbon monoxide and other deadly compounds now permitted in coal gas for domestic use; and whether he will introduce legislation to limit the proportion permitted of these compounds?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the many cases of gas poisoning; whether some companies use as much as 18 per cent. of carbon monoxide; and whether, since this is a very high percentage, he will consider the desirability of fixing the amount of this deadly poison which should be in gas?

I have recently convened a conference between representatives of local authorities and gas providers to consider certain questions in connection with the repair of mains and other matters, and I am now awaiting the views of the bodies concerned upon the conclusions arrived at by the conference. I am having circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the bodies represented at the conference and the conclusions reached. With regard to the last part of the question, I would remind the hon. Members that a Committee presided over by Sir William Pearce, then a Member of this House, considered this question less than two years ago. Their Report was laid before the House, with the reference, Cmd. 1422. The recommendations of that Committee are being carried out, and I am having a special examination made of the available statistics as to fatalities due to gas poisoning over a number of years.

Is the Noble Lord aware that the Committee specially recommended that the situation should be watched; and that in the meantime, during the last two years, there has been an enormous increase in fatal accidents due to gas poisoning? Is he also aware that Professor Bone, one of the recognised authorities, and Dr. Haldane strongly recommended that the percentage of carbon monoxide permitted in gas should be limited?

The situation is being most carefully watched. I do not think it is accurate to say that there has been an enormous increase in fatalities during the last two years.

Will the Board of Trade direct special attention to the way in which gas mains are being laid under streets and roadways, in view of the increasing weights now being carried on the roads?

That is exactly one of the points which is being dealt with by the conference.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment next Wednesday.

The following is the information promised:

Conclusion arrived at by the Conference, presided over by the Permanent Secretary of the Board of Trade, held at the offices of the Board on Thursday, 8th February, 1923, between representatives of the National Gas Council, the County Councils' Association, the Metropolitan Borough Councils' Standing Joint Committee, the Association of Municipal Corporations, the Urban District Councils' Association, the Convention of Royal Burghs in Scotland, the London County Council, the Corporation of the City of London, the Edinburgh Corporation and the Glasgow Corporation, together with representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transport and the Scottish Board of Health.

That the Conference is of opinion that the subjects which have been under the consideration of the Conference, viz.:—

(1) the best means of ensuring that gas mains shall be inspected and defects made good whenever the street in which the mains are laid is opened in close proximity to the mains;

(2) the steps to be taken to impress upon the public that all escapes of gas of uncertain origin should be immediately reported to the gas undertaking of the district, and to acquaint the public with the best means of making such reports promptly;

(3) the question of the inspection of gas fittings and the discouragement of the use of dangerous types of apparatus or apparatus fixed in a dangerous manner;

should be considered by the bodies represented at the Conference.

Further, the Conference recommends that in the course of this consideration special attention should be given to the following suggestions which have been adopted by the Conference, viz.:—

(1) That, in the interests of the public and of the undertakers, there should be as complete co-operation as possible between the Highway Authorities and the undertakers (including all bodies or persons having power to break up or open highways), and between undertakers themselves. With this object, procedure on the following lines is suggested for consideration:—

( a ) The Highway Authority should, as far as is practicable, before breaking up or opening any highway for renewal or reconstruction, give reasonable notice to all undertakers affected.

( b ) The undertakers should forthwith, upon receipt of such notice, notify the Highway Authority of the position of their works in the portion of the highway to be broken up or opened, and whether or not they propose to execute any work in relation thereto.

( c ) The Highway Authority should summarise the replies and send a copy of the summary to each of the undertakers.

( d ) Any undertakers who propose to break up or open any high way should, in addition to notifying the Highway Authority, also notify the other undertakers concerned.

( e ) The undertakers should, when highways are broken up or opened, take reasonable steps and be given reasonable facilities to ascertain, as far as possible, the condition of their respective works, with a view to executing such renewals and repairs as may appear to be necessary or expedient.

( f ) In cases of emergency, where it is not practicable to give previous notice, notice should be given as soon as practicable after the beginning of the work or the necessity for the same shall have arisen.

( g )Periodical conferences should be convened between the Highway Authority and the undertakers to discuss difficulties and arrange procedure.

(2) That we are of opinion that gas undertakers should consider what additional means they can adopt to bring effectively to the notice of consumers the danger arising from escapes of gas and the necessity of reporting at once the existence of leaks, and we suggest that this might be done by printed notices in red on the face of the gas account and affixed to the consumer's meter.

Further, we suggest that wherever practicable arrangements should be made by which notifications of leaks may be made immediately to the police or the nearest fire brigade station and thence passed on at once to the gas undertakers and that local authorities should be asked to instruct their employøs to report immediately any indications of escapes of gas that come to their notice.

(3) That it should be taken into consideration whether gas undertakers should be given powers that would enable them—

( a ) To prescribe the size and material of pipes for internal installation work on the lines of Section 33 of the Gas Light and Coke Company's Order, 1922.

( b ) To inspect the piping and gas consuming appliances and the fixing thereof in any consumer's premises and to refuse to give or continue to give a supply of gas to such premises if such piping, appliances or fixing be found dangerous and the consumer refuses or neglects after notice to make the necessary alterations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state, in view of the offensive nature of the remainder of the cargo being constantly washed ashore after gales of wind and sea, if the Government propose to destroy or cause the owners to destroy the wreck of the "War Knight" that has lain off Freshwater Bay (Isle of Wight) fort for nearly five years?

The Board of Trade have no power to destroy this wreck or cause it to be destroyed, and Trinity House have not taken steps to remove it, as it is not a danger to general navigation. I will, however, have some further inquiries made in the matter and inform the hon. Member of the result.

Will the Noble Lord also consider changing the name of the bay?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether products of the oil-palm industry in Sumatra are now reaching this country; if he can state the quantity imported; and whether the oil and kernels arrive here in the crude form as from the West African Dependencies?

Separate records of the imports into the United Kingdom consigned from Sumatra are not available. Any such consignments would be recorded under the general heading of "Other Dutch Possessions in the Indian Seas." The imports of oil-palm products registered as consigned from these Possessions during the year 1922 were 1,199 tons of unrefined palm oil.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on the 28th December last the s.s. "Berrima" left London carrying passengers for Fremantle; that the passenger certificate for this ship gives permission to carry 291, with a crew of 154, a total of 445; that the ship was cleared from London under an emigrant survey certificate sanctioning the carrying of 1,467 persons, the extra berths being rigged up in cargo space; that those berths are no bigger than boxes and have to accommodate about eight adults and several children in each, with the result that some of the passengers prefer to sleep on the deck; that the certificate shows 1,060 beds and there are 1,353 souls on board; that there has already been one case of measles; and that the passengers have to form in queues to obtain necessary supplies and for the use of the lavatory, bath, etc.; and whether he will have searching inquiry made into all the circumstances and ascertain how it was possible for a cargo boat of 11,000 tons, with accommodation ordinarily for 445 persons, to be certificated as an emigrant ship to carry 1,467?

The "Berrima" was thoroughly surveyed by Board of Trade surveyors before she left London at the end of December last, and complied fully with the Regulations as to space, accommodation and other matters. During the voyage there was an outbreak of measles, and complaints were made on the arrival of the vessel in Western Australia. These complaints have been investigated in Australia, and I am informed were found to be not well founded; but I will have further full inquiry made on the return of the vessel to this country, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

Will a passenger on board, who is willing to give evidence, be permitted to do so?

Yes.

Does this ship belong to a foreign company?

No, Sir. It belongs to an English company.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to institute an inquiry into the causes of the recent increases in the retail prices of tea and sugar to decide whether these increases are justified?

According to the most recent reports made to the Ministry of Labour, the retail price of tea is but fractionally different from that reported a year ago, and corresponds in this with the wholesale price together with the duty. Recently a very sharp advance has occurred in the wholesale prices of sugar. At present I think an official inquiry would be premature, but the course of the markets is being carefully watched by the Board of Trade.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is the case that this extraordinary rise in the wholesale price of sugar has taken place at a time when there are 3,500,000 cwts. more sugar in bond than there were a year ago?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government still hold stocks of wool in London and other home ports; can he state approximately what quantitites are still held in stock; if the wool all comes from British Dominions; what steps have been taken in order to dispose of the stocks; and whether it is being retained in order to obtain a high reserve price fixed by his Department?

The Government-owned stocks of wool in the United Kingdom amount approximately to 569,000 bales, all of Australasian origin. The disposal of these stocks is in the hands of the British Australian Wool Realisation Association, Limited, to which company this work was entrusted as from 1st January, 1921. During the two years that have since elapsed approximately 1,200,000 bales have been sold. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. The stocks are being systematically disposed of concurrently with the supplies of new wool, and the quantities sold in 1922 in England were the largest on record. For a long time past every bale of Government wool displayed in the auctions has been sold to the best bidder, and if high reserve prices are being enforced it is on wool over which the Government has no control.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to secure the payment of the balance of the compensation due to British emigrants returned from Peru?

His Majesty's representative at Lima is instructed to demand from the Peruvian Government the payment of the balance outstanding in this respect, a sum of £1,114.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the injustice that the burden of sea-defence works should be borne wholly by coastal towns, he is prepared to give facilities for the introduction of a Measure to make it a national charge?

This question was fully considered by the Royal Commission on Coast Erosion, who reported in 1911 that there was no justification for the assumption by the nation at large of financial responsibility in regard to works of sea-defence. I regret that I cannot hold out hopes of acceding to the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend.

Will the Noble Lord consider the desirability of another inquiry by a Committee? Is it not very-hard that these towns, in addition to their own burden of taxation, should be called upon to bear this extra burden?

I shall be glad to receive from my hon. and gallant Friend representations on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the result of the retrial of the case of the s.s. "St. Hubert," which was captured many months ago by the Russians off the Murman coast and condemned; and, if not, whether he will press the Russian Government with the view to securing the early retrial of the case and the return of the vessel?

From the most recent report from Moscow it appears that a retrial of this case has now taken place. The legal representative appointed by the owners has, however, lodged a petition, which has been accepted, demanding a further retrial at which he will be able to defend the case on behalf of his clients.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me the result of the retrial, against which a petition has been lodged?

I cannot say more than that I presume, from the petition which has been put in, that it was unfavourable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information with regard to the fate of the five members of the crew of the s.s. "Itonian," who landed on the coast of Murmansk, Russian Lapland, on 21st January, and have not been heard of since; and, if not, whether, in view of the very great anxiety of the relatives of the men, he will take immediate steps to obtain the information from the Russian Government and to secure their release if they are prisoners?

As soon as news was received of the arrest of these men the British agent at Moscow was instructed by telegraph to endeavour to secure their prompt release and repatriation. Mr. Hodgson has replied that he hopes shortly to obtain full particulars, the only information at present available being that the men have been detained for landing without permission and for smuggling furs. Further instructions have now been sent to him to continue to press the matter strongly.

asked the Prime Minister when the papers dealing with the events leading up to the Greek defeat in Asia Minor, and the circumstances of the Near Eastern crisis in the autumn of 1922, will be laid before Parliament?

There will be shortly laid before Parliament Papers containing a complete record of the recent Conference at Lausanne, which will be found to explain fully the present position in the Near East. It is still hoped that the negotiations conducted at that Conference will lead at an early date to a general pacification in the regions affected. Such prospects could only be affected adversely by the publication now of correspondence relating to the conflict, to which it is hoped to put an end by the conclusion of peace. His Majesty's Government are, therefore, not prepared at present to lay further papers as suggested.

Will the papers dealing with the Lausanne Conference also deal with these events in the autumn of last year, and will the papers dealing with the events of last autumn be laid before the Supplementary Estimate in connection with the despatch of troops is debated?

What I said was that, in my opinion, the publication of these papers before we made peace with Turkey would be bad for the Treaty, and we must wait till that is completed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman delay the submission of the Supplementary Estimate to this House until the papers are laid?

Will the papers include a full disclosure of the relations of Ministers with the Greek Government prior to the Greek defeat?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will in future make it a condition of acceptance of office that no ex-Minister, until he has been out of office for 15 years, shall be permitted, when writing articles or books for monetary consideration, to make use of information of a confidential character acquired during his period of office?

I am not prepared to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.

If ex-Cabinet Ministers are to be allowed to make money by publishing confidential information, will the same privilege be extended to ex-civil servants?

I understand that it is clearly understood that secret documents of that kind should not be published, especially if they have any relation to the Cabinet, without the consent of His Majesty.

Does not the publication of official secrets make Ministers as well as civil servants liable to prosecution under the Official Secrets Act?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the rule that he has just laid down has been observed recently?

Could not the book which is anticipated in this question give to the public the papers that were demanded in the preceding question?

Have any steps been taken to indicate to Mr. Winston Churchill the undesirability of this practice?

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the question that was put just now, as to whether an ordinary civil servant will get permission from his chief to publish private information, in order to write a book and make money?

Are the Government prepared to take action in cases where information of that nature is published without their sanction?

That, I think, has never been done. All that we are prepared to do is to repeat what the rule is in regard to these matters.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer my question, namely, seeing that the rule he has laid down is admittedly broken, what action do the Government propose to take?

I have already answered that in my last reply.

In view of the undesirability of leaving this matter to the discretion of His Majesty—

Oh, oh!

Yes, it is His Majesty in this case.

Through the Government.

May I put it in this way? Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an opportunity of discussing this question on a Resolution laying down a rule?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the publication of Cabinet deliberations by ex-Ministers; and whether this is in accordance with the general custom?

I can add nothing to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Reading on Thursday last, when I said: "It is of course an obligation upon Ministers and officials not to disclose confidential state or official papers or information without the previous approval of His Majesty's Government for the time being, or in the case of Cabinet information without the consent of His Majesty."

Are not revelations of this kind a breach of the Privy Councillor's oath? Has not the right hon. Gentleman taken that oath, and does he not therefore know?

I have taken the oath and personally I think I should consider it a breach.

asked the Prime Minister whether the policy of the Balfour Note, in particular the sections of it dealing with the obligations of the Continental Powers to Great Britain, still holds as the policy of His Majesty's Government?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Members for St. George's (Mr. Erskine) and Mid-Bedfordshire (Mr. Linfield) on Thursday last.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement at an early date explaining the strategic, tactical, or commercial reasons for the continued occupation of Iraq?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on Thursday last, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for East Woolwich (Mr. Snell).

In view of the fact that the previous Government never gave a statement as to the real reason, can the country be enlightened on this subject at an early date, with a view to allaying similar misapprehensions?

I have no doubt that the subject will be discussed in full to-morrow.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the disappointment felt in the Dominions at the delay in announcing the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to wire less communication; and whether he can now state what that policy is?

This question has been exhaustively considered by a Sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, and will now come before the Cabinet. I hope to be able to announce the decision of His Majesty's Government shortly.

Will it be convenient if I put down a question this day week?

I think that is too soon.

A fortnight?

Can the right hon. Gentleman name a date when we can put this question on the Paper?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Overseas Settlement Office have stated that the workers mostly required in Australia are farm hands, and that as a consequence the £45,000,000 to be spent under the Empire Settlement Act will not have the desired effect of relieving the unemployed in our cities and industrial areas; and whether steps can be taken to devote a consider able proportion of the £45,000,000 towards maintaining the agricultural labourer on the land of this country, where there is no real surplus of land labour?

It is the case that the main object of the Overseas Settlement Committee in carrying out the provisions of the Empire Settlement Act is to assist and train men and women in this country who are anxious to seek opportunity overseas to settle in the British Dominions on the land. Persons adaptable to this work are in fact, and for many years have been, found in the city and industrial areas of this country. The hon. Member is mistaken if he thinks that the aim of the Empire Settlement Act is the immediate relief of unemployment here. Its main object is to ensure, as far as is humanly possible, that the intending migrant goes out under the best conditions to work which is available and offers the best chances of success, and to develop the vast undeveloped and under-populated parts of the Empire. His Majesty's Government attach the greatest importance to this policy, and have no intention of diverting the funds made available by the Act to other objects.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that about 9,000,000 acres in this country are officially admitted to be undeveloped and awaiting labour?

That is a question for the Ministry of Agriculture. There are many millions of square miles in Australia and Canada awaiting development, and those are integral parts of our Empire.

asked the Prime Minister, seeing that the interpretation of Part 8 of the Treaty of Versailles must be decided unanimously by the Reparation Commission, whether the legality of the occupation of the Ruhr under paragraph 18 of Annex II has been so unanimously approved by the Commission; and what action the British representative has taken?

The question of the legality of the occupation of the Ruhr has not come before the Reparation Commission for decision. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

What is the view of the British Government? Do they think it is legal or not? If they think it is not, why did not our representative raise it?

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman is confusing two different things. The dissent of the British representative was on a question of fact and not of interpretation.

My question is, did the British representative ever agree to this interpretation of Part 8?

There is no question of interpretation at all, as far as I know.

If this action were taken in pursuance of Part 8, did the British representative assent?

As I have told the hon. and gallant Gentleman, the British representative dissented on the question of default. The French Government thereupon took action without any further reference to the Commission at all.

If the British representative had dissented from this interpretation of Part 8, it would have become illegal?

Has the British representative been instructed to raise the question of the interpretation of the Reparation Commission, and if he has not, deos not this imply that the British Government accept the legality of the French action?

Has the representative of His Majesty's Government on the Reparation Commission any authority, or is he the proper person to interpret the Treaty of Versailles?

I think my Noble Friend is right. I do not think he has. Of course, I can give no answer with regard to the inference which may be drawn, but as to the question of fact, speaking from recollection, I do not think any such instructions have been given.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the Manchester Chamber of Commerce has informed Manchester merchants that goods forwarded to Germany will be confiscated by the French; if he has any information on the subject; and, if so, what action is the Government taking on this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and I have no information to indicate that goods are being confiscated as suggested. Inquiries are, however, being made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman making any inquiries from the Manchester Chamber of Commerce?

No. We are inquiring on the spot.

Has the Government any information as to the intention of France to blockade Germany?

None whatever.

Have the Government received any notice from France that coal exported from Scotland is not to be allowed to be delivered at German ports?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he has assented to the transport of goods under French supervision across any part of British-occupied territory in Germany;

(2) what the proposals were which the French representatives laid before His Majesty's Government on Thursday and Friday last, and, in particular, was it urged by them that British troops should be withdrawn from Germany; and whether such a step by us did or did not end the Entente?

Certain proposals were discussed with the representatives of the French Government, but I would prefer not to make any statement about them until a later stage.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the report which has come from Paris to-day, and appears in our newspapers, regarding both the subjects discussed and the agreement come to in that regard is correct or incorrect?

The position is this. We made certain proposals to the French Government, but we have not yet received their reply. Until we do, we prefer not to discuss the matter.

Is it not a fact that the conference last week was supposed to be confidential? Now we have had a statement of one side, the French side, of the case, is it not right and proper that we should now have a statement of the British case?

I think the House will lose nothing by waiting.